Twee tropische slangen 1824 - 1900

Albertus Steenbergen created this delicate watercolor of two tropical snakes sometime in the 19th century. Now, watercolor might seem like a straightforward medium, but it’s actually quite demanding. The artist has to carefully layer thin washes of pigment, building up the image gradually. Steenbergen coaxes a striking level of detail out of the process, capturing the subtle textures and patterns of the snakes' scales. This type of work was often commissioned by wealthy patrons, who sought to document the natural world through art. This brings up questions about labor, politics, and consumption. Scientific illustration was a meticulous, time-consuming endeavor that supported artists like Steenbergen, while catering to the interests of the elite. By appreciating both the artistic skill and the social context, we can understand the rich meaning of the artwork. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.